Our members, along with the men and boys sector as whole, have risen to the challenge of providing vital support to those they work with despite the lockdown with extraordinary speed and ingenuity.
Here are a number of services we are aware of that are still operating. This is intended as a live document to be updated, time permitting, as we gather more information.
If you run a service or resource that you feel should be included here, please email a relevant link and one paragraph summary to info@menandboyscoalition.org.uk. We can’t guarantee to include all suggestions but will do our best to update accordingly.
Please share this link with your networks and with anyone who you feel may benefit from the information below.
Stay safe and well.
Click on the headings below for:
- Counselling and personal support
- Forums and discussion
- Data and information on Covid-19 and men
- Mentoring and education
- Community support for older men
- Fathers
- Male domestic abuse support
- Male survivors of sexual violence
1.COUNSELLING AND PERSONAL SUPPORT
Andy’s Man Club
The brilliant charity that facilitates groups for men to talk across the UK, have moved their regular weekly sessions online. They are also open to new members who would like to join a group since the lockdown.
Mengage — free therapy for male COVID-19 key workers
“In light of all they are doing, I am offering free therapy for fellas on the frontline delivering services; doctors, nurses, delivery drivers and such like. All by Skype/Zoom. Hit me up if you are one of these guys!”
MenSpeak Men’s Groups — daily check-ins, by donation
“Kenny and some of the more experienced MenSpeak facilitators are offering daily lunchtime check-ins to keep men calm, connected, safe and sane in these turbulent times of extreme vulnerability.
“We share our thoughts and feelings, fears and pressures, whatever buttons are pressed and whatever comes up is welcome. We relieve pressure by speaking it out, listening and being heard.”
Here are instructions for joining online groups.
MensCraft
The brilliant Norfolk-based charity offers a range of support for men struggling with their mental health following lockdown and self isolation, with two services in particular dedicated to men in the region who are suffering from suicidal thoughts.
Find out more and get in touch here:
Spectra
The charity has moved counselling and mentoring services online, and has seen a lot of uptake following the transition. They are planning webinars for their youth service, and are making sure their 121 mentoring work continues to be as safe as possible for young people.
https://twitter.com/Spectra_London/status/1245332121591451649?s=20
METRO Charity
METRO have launched a youth sexual health phone line for young people in the London boroughs of Greenwich and Bexley.
The phone line is running Monday to Friday from 12pm-3pm on 0208 305 5001
Natasha Devon MBE
Natasha’s feed is a wealth of resources and practical advice on how to tackle everything from lockdown induced anxiety, to dealing with even-greater-than-normal exam stress and information about her online consultancy.
If you’re not already, follow her @_NatashaDevon
https://twitter.com/_NatashaDevon/status/1241820101889929216?s=20
https://twitter.com/_NatashaDevon/status/1243553250508488710?s=20
Her latest book: Yes You Can: Ace Your Exams Without Losing Your Mind https://t.co/6oRyNFvIHW
Jonny Benjamin MBE
Jonny has made this excellent video sharing his practical strategies for managing mental health while self-isolating:
https://www.youtube.com/watchv=_TkXh8ReEIU&feature=youtu.be
Mind the Men
The peer-to-peer suicide prevention support group have moved their meetings online.
“Our online video meeting is available on Monday nights 7pm – 9pm . Download the Zoom app and email mindthemen@gmail.com for a meeting ID to join. We may be isolated but we can still connect.”
Follow @mindthemen to find out more.
Student Minds
The charity is has made available a range of resources and advice for students on maintaining good mental health during the pandemic.
Available here:
https://www.studentminds.org.uk/coronavirus.html
The editorial team is also running a blogging series bringing the student community together online to share tips and strategies for looking after mental health and well-being during the pandemic.
Find out more write for them here:
https://www.studentmindsblog.co.uk/p/write-for.html
2. FORUMS AND DISCUSSION
RockingUrTeens video conferences for teens on lockdown
Through their conferences and workshops, RockingUrTeens connects 13 and 14-year-olds with organisations and industry experts to help them increase their career aspirations and understand the benefit of collaborations, whilst supporting them to create vibrant futures for themselves and their communities.
They are running a series of online conferences for teenagers dealing with the pressures of lockdown.
Watch the first event that took place on April 6th here:
Follow @RockingUrTeens to keep up to date with their next events.
Australian Men’s Health Forum
In addition to managing the huge challenges of the lockdown to the Australian Men’s Health Forum, MBC co-founder and Trustee, Glen Poole, has written on how increased social isolation from coronavirus, is a risk factor for suicide in men of all ages and should be carefully managed to avoid an increase in suicide deaths.
https://t.co/s5IVBo5Ync https://t.co/yX9DhV1Ya4 https://twitter.com/MensHealthAMHF/status/1243324180080340994?s=20
Graham Goulden’s ‘Shed Talks’
Fresh from his successful TedX Talk, Graham is sharing his own anxieties and ways of dealing with them in his “Shed Talks”. Follow him @Graham_Goulden
3. DATA AND INFORMATION ON COVID-19 AND MEN
Global Health 50/50
Sex-disaggregated data tracker on Covid-19, covering 88 countries globally with more being added each week.
https://globalhealth5050.org/covid19/sex-disaggregated-data-tracker/
Global Action on Men’s Health
Global Action on Men’s Health have been tracking data and research related to the gendered impacts of coronavirus.
Follow @Globalmenhealth for updates
Men’s Health Forum
The charity, which supports men’s health across England, Scotland and Wales, has compiled an excellent and regularly updated resource with the latest facts and information on how Covid-19 is affecting men and boys.
https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/covid-19-and-men
Men’s Health Forum UK webinar on men and Covid-19, with Professor Alan White, Peter Baker and Martin Tod
https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/covid19webinar
Men’s Health Forum Ireland webinar on men and Covid-19, with Prof Alan White and Dr Noel Richardson
4. MENTORING AND EDUCATION
Lads Need Dads
Remote mentoring
”Lads Need Dads take a group approach, so social distancing restrictions have a direct impact. The charity has adapted by pairing each boy with a known mentor and providing weekly remote mentoring sessions which help the boys explore their use of time, set goals and manage conflict that might be occurring with siblings and mum/carer. Mums / carers receive telephone support as and when needed.”
Pen pal scheme
”To help keep the boys engaged in their community, we have started a new pen pal initiative which matches boys to elderly gentlemen in care homes. A great way of encouraging inter-generational communication and reducing the impact of social isolation on men and boys mental health.”
Future Men
In partnership with parents and schools, the Boy’s Development Team are continuing the service by offering regular 1:1 mentoring support over the phone.
The Fathers Team and Community Engagement and Outreach Team are maintaining their support over the phone.
5. COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR OLDER MEN
UK Men’s Sheds
As with so many of our members, UK Men’s Sheds brilliant work is built around the incalculable benefits of human interaction.
But despite the barriers to this created by social distancing, the charity have found all sorts of ways to maintain connections within their community of “shedders”.
Highlights are the new weekly radio show ‘Shed Happens’ and the their Facebook group:
https://twitter.com/UKMensSheds/status/1239817384388702208?s=20
https://www.facebook.com/UKMensSheds/
6. FATHERS
Fatherhood Institute
The UK think tank on fatherhood has created dedicated page of resources to help dads cope with issues ranging from enforced proximity, to enforced separation, to financial stress and the difficulties of keeping small children entertained.
www.fatherhoodinstitute.org/2020/help-and-advice-for-dads-during-the-covid-19-crisis/
Music Football Fatherhood
MFF have been putting out some fantastic videos addressing the unique challenges parents are facing due to the lockdown. Check out their Twitter feed to see the latest editions.
https://twitter.com/MFFonline_/status/1240397150024011782?s=20
Families Need Fathers — Both Parents Matter
The lockdown has created a series of new concerns for parents, especially those who are already struggling to spend time with their children.
The charity has put together guidance for concerned parents. Register with them to receive updates.
Guidance PDF here:
Shared Parenting Scotland
In addition to moving support online, Shared Parenting Scotland have also been doing excellent work securing clarification from authorities on visitation and contact with children in the context of lockdown and social distancing.
https://twitter.com/SharedParentSco/status/1243854163236315136?s=20
Follow them for latest updates @SharedParentSco
Fathers Network Scotland
The charity has set up a Facebook group specifically for dads and family workers, enabling them to catch up with peers, to share the challenges each other are facing at the moment, solutions, ideas and insights.
To join in at their next Zoom meeting, you’ll find joining details in the group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/dadsworkersscotland
Leeds Dads
‘Supporting your child’s behaviour through Coronavirus’
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=928704350924473&ref=watch_permalink
Lockdown Dads
A weekly YouTube broadcast exploring the impact of lockdown, self-isolation and social distancing on working dads.
https://www.inspiringdads.co.uk/lockdown-dads
7.MALE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE
ManKind Initiative
This is an extremely dangerous time for people forced to self isolate with their abusers.
Male domestic abuse charity Mankind Initiative has posted dedicated information about safety planning during self isolation on their website.
https://t.co/9mZDknOFh3
Men’s Advisory Project, Northern Ireland
MAP has re-doubled its efforts to encourage men to reach out for help.
“Many of the men we support may find staying at home, due to COVID 19 restrictions, difficult due to the domestic abuse they are enduring. Please give us a call.
“We can safety plan and offer legal solutions for those most in need. We want you to be and feel safe. Call 02890 241929”
https://twitter.com/MensAdvisoryP/status/1238526320289685507?s=20
8. MALE SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Survivors Manchester
“Following NHS and Government guidelines, we have temporarily closed the centre for face to face appointments and all group activity. However, I don’t want you to worry that you wont be able to get support because our services will continue – although in a different way.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure our email and telephone support immediately continue; our ISVA service continues without a break but via telephone and email; we re‐model the way we deliver the Safe Room and community activities; and our therapy team have the right equipment to ensure your sessions continue.
“We have also worked hard on adapting our processes to continue to offer support to people who haven’t used our services before and wanting to make a referral.”
www.survivorsmanchester.org.uk
The National Male Survivor Helpline and Online Service
This MSP national service partner is continuing to operate throughout lockdown, providing a vital resource. Check their website for opening times:
www.safeline.org.uk
Phone: 0808 800 5005
Email: support@safeline.org.uk
Text: 07860 027573
· Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
· Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00am to 8:00pm
· Saturday: 10:00am to 2:00pm